Zhou Fuyuan: Scala Bed and Beyond’s Owner and Designer

After our visit to the eclectic Scala Bed and Beyond, we talked to Zhou Fuyuan, Scala’s owner and principal architect, about the hotel’s bold east-meets-west appearance and how it promises an unforgettable guest experience through its unique identity.

What’s the design concept behind Scala Bed and Beyond?
As travel tours have become a global phenomenon, more and more people are looking for a more tailored experience. Large chain hotels portray themselves in an almost uniform look, but “Highly Individual Places” or HIPs are rare and more interesting, yet challenging to build. Scala, tucked away from Bali’s congested streets, comes with a flair of culture and art. Its design is contemporary yet classic, with accents of art in its public areas and bedrooms. This is one of the factors that guarantee a memorable stay for our guests.

Why did you opt for a contemporary Mediterranean style for Scala’s façade?The hotel showcases a deconstructivism architectural (a post-modern architecture movement that is identified by non-rectilinear shapes and distorted structure). Two crisscrossing grid patterns make a polyphonic composition that brings harmony to the exterior and interior. In addition, Scala was inspired by Beijing courtyard houses (siheyuan) with four edifices surrounding an open space within where daily activities take place. It was also inspired by terrace houses in Santorini connected with spiralling staircases on the outside and layers of patios.

Even though Scala is generally modern, some of the rooms come with oriental credenzas. What’s the reason behind the juxtaposing styles?
We picked vintage credenzas, wardrobes or chairs that reflect the ethnic vernacular style of China to add a cultural emphasis. This kind of furniture is unique but simpler than their classical counterpart; even though they’re of a bygone era, they still fare well with modern architecture. We deliberately chose striking colours to add contrast. The hotel is fitted with plenty of furniture pieces like the Ghost Chair that were designed by famous designers.

What were the considerations in your selection?
As an HIP hotel, we want to put forward our appreciation of art and culture worthy of a “design hotel”. We reckon this can be achieved not only architecturally, but through impeccable artwork and furniture choices, which is why we opted for pieces by well known designers.

What kind of memorable experience do you have in mind for your guests?
We want our guests to no longer be confined in square or rectangular spaces. Scala is not just a decorative space; its an architectural space. The rooms and the design offer a distinct look and a remarkable sense of space, another guarantee of an unforgettable stay.